Segregation policies targeted schools, public spaces like pools, hospitals and even cemeteries — a fact that meant some Chinese immigrants had to be returned to China for burial according to the report.

The city also restricted the jobs Chinese Canadians could work, barring them from working for the city from between 1890 and 1952, and also often including anti-Chinese clauses in contracts with contractors.

Back in 2011, then-federal environment minister Peter Kent described Chinatown as a worthy nominee for the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) status.

However, Wong said that might be a challenge since the city missed a 2016 federal deadline to be considered.

“Although we mentioned that the federal government’s tentative list is closed now, we hope that with the leadership from mayor and council, they can persuade the senior government to have a second look at that.”